Today, let's decipher one of those intriguing map coordinates. We're diving into Sifrei Devarim, specifically section 56, which deals with pinpointing a crucial location.
The text starts with a seemingly simple phrase: "after the way of the coming of the sun." What does it mean? Well, quite literally, it's talking about the east – the place from which the sun shines and rises each morning. Okay, eastward we go!
Next, we encounter "in the land of the Canaani, who inhabits the plain." Now things get interesting. According to the text, this refers to Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival. These aren't just any mountains; they're inhabited by the Cuthites, also known as Samaritans. They have their own version of the Torah and a long, complicated history with the Jewish people.
But the real puzzle lies in the next phrase: "opposite Gilgal, near the terebinths of Moreh." This is where things get really specific. The text tells us that this is Shechem.
Why Shechem? Well, here's where a beautiful connection is made. The text points out a parallel to a story we find in Bereshith (Genesis) 12:6: "And Avram passed through the land, until the place of Shechem, until the terebinths of Moreh." See the echo?
The logic is this: it is written here "the terebinths of Moreh," and, elsewhere, "And Avram passed through the land, until the place of Shechem, until the terebinths of Moreh." Just as "the terebinths of Moreh" there, is in Shechem, so, here, Shechem is intended.
This is where it gets even juicier. Rabbi Elazar b. Rabbi Yossi recounts a fascinating exchange with Cuthite scribes. He accuses them of falsifying the Torah, specifically pointing out their addition: "near the terebinths of Moreh near Shechem." Ouch! Talk about calling someone out!
Why the accusation? Because the Jewish tradition arrives at the same conclusion – that this place is Shechem – through a gezeirah shavah. A gezeirah shavah is a method of interpreting Torah that relies on identifying identical words or phrases in different passages to connect their meanings. It's a form of oral law, which the Cuthites don't subscribe to.
As the text explains, "We learn it from a gezeirah shavah, (identity [i.e., we learn it by way of the oral law, to which you do not subscribe]), it being written "Are they not across the Jordan," and, elsewhere "And Avram passed through the land, etc." Just as "the terebinths of Moreh" there, is Shechem, so, here (Shechem is intended)."
So, the rabbi’s point is: even though you, Cuthites, added "near Shechem" to your version, we arrive at the same conclusion through our own interpretive methods! In other words, you added nothing new; we already knew that.
This passage from Sifrei Devarim isn't just about geography. It's about the intricate ways in which Jewish tradition interprets sacred texts, the fascinating historical relationships between different groups, and the enduring power of shared stories. It reminds us that even when we think we're just reading about places on a map, we're really exploring the depths of history, interpretation, and connection. What other hidden connections might we find if we keep digging?